What CFA Level 1 Covers
CFA Level 1 tests foundational knowledge across 10 topic areas. It's the entry point to the CFA Program and focuses on basic concepts, financial tools, and ethical standards. The exam is computer-based, consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, and is offered multiple times per year.
Wondering how much time you'll need? Read our breakdown: How many hours do you really need for CFA Level 1?
CFA Level 1 Curriculum — Topic Weights (2026)
| Topic Area | Weight | Approx. Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ethical & Professional Standards | 15–20% | 30 hours |
| Quantitative Methods | 6–9% | 14 hours |
| Economics | 6–9% | 14 hours |
| Financial Reporting & Analysis | 11–14% | 20 hours |
| Corporate Issuers | 6–9% | 10 hours |
| Equity Investments | 11–14% | 14 hours |
| Fixed Income | 11–14% | 14 hours |
| Derivatives | 5–8% | 8 hours |
| Alternative Investments | 5–8% | 6 hours |
| Portfolio Management | 5–8% | 16 hours |
Comparison: CFA Level 1 Programs in Delhi
| Institute | Hours | Mocks | Practice Qs | Price | Online | Batch Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankers Financial Academy | 120+ | 10 | 2000+ | ₹45,000 | Yes (live) | 30–40 |
| Sanjay Saraf (SSEI) | 100–150 | 8–12 | 1500+ | ₹40,000–60,000 | Yes | 100–300+ |
| EduPristine | 80–120 | 6–10 | 1000+ | ₹35,000–55,000 | Yes | 50–200+ |
| IMS Proschool | 100–130 | 8–10 | 1200+ | ₹50,000–70,000 | Yes | 50–150+ |
| FinTree | 80–100 (video) | 5–8 | 1000+ | ₹20,000–40,000 | Primarily | Large (online) |
Rankers' CFA Level 1 Program — What's Included
All Level 1 sessions are led directly by Venika Wadhwa, CFA. The program includes 120+ hours of mentor-led training, 2000+ practice questions, 10 full-length mock exams, comprehensive study notes and formula sheets, personalized study roadmaps, and direct WhatsApp doubt-clearing access to your mentor.
The next recommended batch is November 2026, starting May 1 — see full batch details.
How Rankers Teaches Level 1 Differently
When we teach Fixed Income, we don't just cover duration formulas — we walk through how bonds are actually priced. When we teach Ethics, we draw from real workplace situations Venika has navigated at Smallcase and Byju's. The result is understanding that sticks, not memorisation that fades.
An Analytics Leader, Not a Trainer
12+ years at Smallcase, Byju's, The Smart Cube. Venika teaches how finance professionals think.
Real-World Finance Thinking
Every concept connected to actual investment decisions and industry scenarios.
Conceptual Clarity, Not Rote
Understanding the "why" behind every formula — problem-solving instincts that last beyond exam day.
Many candidates make avoidable mistakes. Read the top mistakes CFA Level 1 students make so you don't repeat them.